SAPSF Conference: A transformational change

SAPSF NEWS
SAPSF Conference:
A transformational change
T
he 55th Annual South African Pharmaceutical Students Federation’s
(SAPSF) conference was hosted from 29
June – 3 July by the Tshwane University
of Technology in Pretoria. The theme of
this year’s conference was “SAPSF: The
Relevance”. This theme was aimed at
addressing the significance of pharmacy
students in the pharmacy profession and
to address possible career opportunities.
Breaking the ice
All eight pharmacy schools, vizTshwane
University of Technology (in partnership
with University of Limpopo (Medunsa
campus)), Rhodes University, University
of Limpopo (Turfloop campus),
Witwatersrand University, Nelson
Mandela Metropolitan University, University of Western Cape, Potchefstroom
University, and University of KwaZulu Natal, were represented at the Conference.
The students thoroughly enjoyed the icebreaker at which they got to know students from other universities.
The first day
On Monday, the host branch’s chairperson, Buhle Mbongo, welcomed everyone
to conference.
A former SAPSF Secretary General and
initiator of the pharmacy school at the
host branch, Professor Rob Summers,
addressed the students. He commented
on the theme of the conference and left
the students with the statement that “they
are the future”.
All Presidential Committee office bearers reported on the activities they had
embarked on during their term of office.
Lorraine Osman, editor of the South African Pharmaceutical Journal (SAPJ),
member of the South African Pharmacy
Council (SAPC) and a SAPSF honorary
life member, explained the history of the
PSSA, its importance and the importance
and activities of the SAPC.
of the South African Progressive Pharmacists Association) came in with a fresh new
topic when he passionately posed the rhetorical question on transformation within
the SAPSF. He spoke about changing
things within the Federation in order to reflect true representation of the Federation
and the country’s true demographics.
It’s not all work!
During the evening following this very
fruitful day, conference members enjoyed
the traditional drinking competition
(Mike’s Mug) to determine which pair of
two students from different universities
could drink the fastest! A Slave Auction
(Theme: Hobo’s party) was conducted
and two students were placed on auction to raise funds.
The second day
A highlight of the second day was the
Clinical Skills Workshop and competition
offered by the South African Association
of Hospital and Institutional Pharmacists
(SAAHIP). Students from different universities were paired and asked to solve a
clinical problem and answer questions on it.
Willie Jordaan (a member of Clicks’ executive board) delivered a moving talk
on corporate pharmacy and fused the title
with the theme of the conference.
Reports were delivered by the eight
chairpersons of the SAPSF branches on
the different activities that their associations had embarked on since the previous conference.
Mogologolo Phasha (executive member
And on to Cofi
This very informative day was rounded
off by a club evening at Cofi in Brooklyn.
Some students visited Menlyn Mall, while
other students stayed at the conference
residence (Polonaise) to catch up on
some much needed sleep!
The third day
Wednesday morning was warmly initiated
by the Head of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr Gill Enslin. She discussed where the profession came from,
where the profession is now, and where
can we take it as future leaders.
Walter Khoza (former SAPSF president
and currently the youngest executive
member of the PSSA) informed the students about the importance of the students belonging to the PSSA – especially since it is for free for students to
belong to the Society.
Conference 2009
The University of Limpopo (Turfloop campus) will host the 2009 conference.
Ending in style
Conference was concluded with a Masquerade Ball, sponsored by Clicks.
SAPSF Presidential Committee 2008/2009
Professor Andries Gous (HOD: University of Limpopo (Medunsa campus) spoke
of the different fields into which a pharmacist can venture.
Cecelia
van
Niekerk,
former
Potchefstroom Chairperson, spoke on
the future of pharmacy in South Africa.
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President:
Vice-President:
Secretary General:
SAPSF editor
Student Exchange Officer:
Treasurer:
Media & Communications officer:
Tiaan van Zyl
Nadiem Suffla
Tina Rybka
Nhlanhla Mafarafara
Timothy Ekosse
ZunaMari Kuilder
MJ (Marthinus Johannes) Kotze
SA Pharmaceutical Journal – October 2008
SAPSF NEWS
Annual Awards and Special Awards
Conference sponsors
Annual Awards
Thank you to our sponsors
• Clicks
• Tshwane University of Technology
• University
of
Limpopo
(Medunsa campus)
• Pick ‘n Pay
• La Pila Pharma
• Amayeza (Information Centre)
• Professional Provident Society (PPS)
• Servier and Biogaran
The following awards were made by the Executive Committee:
•
Penny Ambler Memorial
Awarded to the first time delegate to the congress for overall performance at
the congress – Timothy Ekosse
•
The Lorraine Osman Trophy
Awarded to the best observer at the congress for overall performance at the
congress – University of KwaZulu-Natal
•
Nic Scheeper Memorial
Awarded to the delegate at congress for overall performance at the congress
– Nomvula Mabuza
•
SAPSF Trophy
Awarded to the best member of the SAPSF based on involvement in his branch
and the SAPSF during the year as well as during congress – Anelda Jansen
van Vuuren
•
The Senate Inaugural Trophy
Awarded to the member of the SAPSF for best individual contribution to a
project to be decided annually by the Vice-President – Witwatersrand University
•
Mer National Trophy
Awarded to the branch of the SASPF, which in the opinion of the Executive
Committee has contributed the most to the services/development of the community – Tshwane University of Technology (in partnership with University of
Charl Botha (outgoing president) and
Thabo Motsoai (outgoing media and
communications officer)
Limpopo)
•
SAPSF Service Award
Awarded in the form of a framed certificate to any organisation or person who
has assisted the SAPSF in that particular year. In the event of a re-awarding,
the organisation or person shall be notified in the form of a letter – Clicks
•
The Stavros Nicolaou Trophy
Awarded to the branch(s) having participated most effectively in fundraising
for that particular year – University of Potchefstroom
•
The NPSA Memorial Award
Awarded to the branch presenting the best project at the conference – Rhodes
Lulama Qwele (on the dancefloor)
University
•
The Emmanuel S’Busiso Mkhizi Memorial Trophy
Awarded by the Secretary of the SASPF to the best branch in communication
– Rhodes University
Special Awards
•
Wooden Spoon Award
Awarded to the branch who stirs the most trouble during conference!! - University of Western Cape
•
Double parking Award
Awarded to two people from two different universities that meet each other for
the first time in their lives and hit it off for the whole conference – Danielle
Oosthuizen and Tanya Huckle
Masana Maluleke, Thabo Motsoai and
Tsholanang Moremong
SA Pharmaceutical Journal – October 2008
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